The Federal Government has begun moves to update Nigeria’s cybercrime legislation in response to emerging threats linked to artificial intelligence, including sophisticated online fraud, deepfakes, digital surveillance and attacks on critical infrastructure.
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi disclosed that the Ministry of Justice had developed a draft executive bill intended to strengthen the legal framework for investigating and prosecuting cybercrime.
The development was announced at the second International Cybersecurity Conference in Abuja. Fagbemi’s message was delivered by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo.
The proposed reforms are expected to address technological developments, improve the preservation and exchange of electronic evidence and strengthen cooperation among law-enforcement agencies.
The government’s concerns extend beyond conventional internet fraud to cryptocurrency-related offences, sextortion, child exploitation and the use of AI-generated voices, videos and images to deceive victims.
The National Information Technology Development Agency has also disclosed that it is working with the Office of the National Security Adviser and the National Assembly on a review of the Cybercrimes Act.
However, the proposed executive bill is not yet law. Its eventual impact will depend on the legislative process and the final provisions adopted.
Fagbemi said stronger enforcement powers must operate alongside protections for fundamental rights, emphasising that security measures should not become a justification for undermining liberty.
RELATED NEWS:
- Cybercrimes Act Under Fresh Scrutiny Over Arrests, Journalism and Free Speech
- Meta Deepfakes Expose Nigeria’s AI Fraud Gap
-
Electronic Evidence: What Nigerian Lawyers Must Prove Before Admissibility
behind Games Village, Abuja
5A, CGH, Games Village, Abuja